YOUNGSTERS have been enjoying a new children’s play park completed as part of the regeneration of Slades Farm.

The park is the second major investment in the area following the opening of a new Olympic-sized cycle track last year.

The new park features a zip wire, roundabout, tree house, young children’s play trail, slide, swings and picnic tables.

Braving the cold at the weekend were Oliver and Liam Murphy, Leah Garel-Jones, and Finley and Poppy Green – and one part of the park was a clear favourite with the children.

Oliver, six, said: “I love the tree house and the zip line, everything is great.”

Six-year-old Leah said the park was “brilliant”. “My favourite bit is the zip wire,” she added.

Poppy, six, said: “It’s really good fun to play on.”

Finley, eight, said: “I think it’s good.

“I think I will be coming here every Saturday.”

And Liam, also eight, added: “It’s really good.

“The zip wire is the best bit.”

The new park was funded by £50,000 of developer contributions, a grant from the Primary Care Trust and council funding for playgrounds.

Cllr Rod Cooper, Bournemouth’s cabinet member for economy, leisure and tourism, said: “We have worked hard to improve Slades Farm and the fantastic new facilities will provide an outdoor space that
local residents and children can really enjoy and be proud of.”

What parents think

Suzy Garel-Jones, 34, from Littledown, said: “Leah goes to ballet in the community centre so we popped over afterwards.

“It’s lovely, it’s really nice. I think the tree house is a highlight, they’re really enjoying it. It’s good the council is investing in something like this. It’s a nice area with the skate park,
the cycle track and this here.”

Suzanne Murphy, 41, from Winton, said: “My little one is not old enough to go on the skate park, so this is nice.

“I really like it, especially the zip wire. There’s a bit of climbing, which is good.